What are the protections for the right to health under human rights law?

Under human rights law, the right to health is considered a fundamental human right essential for the overall well-being and dignity of individuals.

Legal Framework:

The right to health is enshrined in various international human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and World Health Organization Constitution.

Obligations:

States have the obligation to respect, protect, and fulfill the right to health. This includes refraining from interfering with individuals' access to healthcare, actively preventing third parties from violating this right, and taking necessary steps to ensure access to quality healthcare services for all.

Mechanisms:

International bodies like the United Nations and World Health Organization monitor states' compliance with their obligations regarding the right to health. Additionally, individuals can seek redress through domestic legal systems, regional human rights courts, and the UN Human Rights Council.

The protections for the right to health help to ensure health equity, non-discrimination in access to healthcare services, and the availability of health resources to promote overall well-being and address health inequalities globally.